Cheesesteaks are a beloved and classic sandwich, packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients. However, when it comes to reheating them, it can be tricky to strike the right balance between bringing the sandwich back to its delicious, melty state without overcooking or drying it out.
Luckily, with the help of your trusty microwave and a few simple tips and tricks, reheating a cheesesteak can be a breeze. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to reheat your cheesesteak to perfection, so that you can enjoy all of its flavors and textures just as much as you did the first time around.
Quick Answer:
To reheat a cheesesteak in the microwave, thaw it first, place on a microwaveable plate with damp paper towel on top, and heat at 80% power for 1 min and 30 secs. Check internal temperature, let cool, and enjoy.
Can You Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat a cheesesteak in the microwave. This is the quickest and most convenient method for those who are short on time.
Now, you all know I love a good cheesesteak. But I’m here to tell you, you have to be careful when reheating one in the microwave. If you’re not careful, the meat and bread can get dry and chewy. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But there are a few things you can do to avoid that dry, chewy fate.
First, make sure to wrap your cheesesteak in a damp paper towel before putting it in the microwave. This will help keep the bread moist.
Secondly, if your cheesesteak is frozen, make sure to thaw it out before reheating. Reheating a frozen cheesesteak will result in uneven heating and a less than desirable texture.
Lastly, only reheat your cheesesteak for a minute or two. Any longer and you risk drying out the meat and bread.
Is It Safe to Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Microwave?
It is safe to reheat a cheesesteak in the microwave but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
When it comes to safety, there’s no room for compromise. That’s why when it comes to heating a cheesesteak, you should make sure to microwave it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
That way, you can be sure that any harmful bacteria have been killed and that your meal is safe to eat.
Another safety tip is to look for any signs of spoilage before reheating your cheesesteak. If the meat or cheese has a strange odor or color, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. It’s not worth taking the risk of getting sick.
How Long Does It Take to Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Microwave?
It takes about 1-2 minutes to reheat a cheesesteak but different microwaves have different wattages so times may vary. For this guide, I use a 1000-watt microwave and need about 1 minute and 30 seconds to reheat my cheesesteak.
If you’re using a lower wattage microwave, it’s going to take a bit longer probably about 2 minutes. To be on the safe side, I recommend starting with 1 minute and then microwaving it in 30-second increments until it’s heated through.
How to Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Microwave
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to reheat a cheesesteak in the microwave. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Thaw or Microwave Your Cheesesteak
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave your frozen cheesesteak right away, but you’ll need to increase the reheating time. For even reheating, it’s best to thaw your cheesesteak in the fridge overnight.
Step 2: Place Your Cheesesteak on a Microwaveable Plate
Remove your cheesesteak from the fridge and place it on a microwaveable plate.
Step 3: Add a Damp Paper Towel
Add a damp paper towel on top of your cheesesteak. This will help to create steam and prevent the sandwich from drying out.
Step 4: Set Your Microwave to 80% Power
Set your microwave to 80% power. This lower power setting will help to ensure that the sandwich is heated evenly and doesn’t become overcooked.
Step 5: Heat Your Cheesesteak
Heat your sandwich for 1 minute and 30 seconds. This should be enough time to bring the sandwich back to its original temperature.
Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature
Check the internal temperature of your cheesesteak to make sure it’s reached 165°F. If not, heat it in 30-second increments until it’s warmed all the way through. This is important for food safety reasons.
Step 7: Let Your Cheesesteak Sit
Allow your sandwich to sit for a minute or two to cool slightly before eating. This will help to prevent any burns from hot cheese or meat.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Finally, enjoy your reheated cheesesteak! It should be just as delicious as it was the first time around.
Tips for Perfectly Reheating a Cheesesteak in the Microwave
Here are some suggestions to make your reheated cheesesteak delicious and satisfying:
Tip #1: Defrost Your Cheesesteak
Before reheating your cheesesteak in the microwave, make sure it’s completely defrosted. It may be tempting to pop it in the microwave while it’s still frozen, but it won’t heat evenly, and the bread may become tough and chewy. Defrosting it beforehand will ensure that the bread remains soft and the cheese gets perfectly melted.
Tip #2: Choose a Safe Plate
When reheating your cheesesteak in the microwave, always use a microwave-safe plate to avoid any accidents. Glass or ceramic plates are best, and never use styrofoam as it can release harmful chemicals. If you’re unsure about your plate’s safety, play it safe and use a ceramic or glass plate.
Tip #3: Keep it Moist
To prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery and dry, place a damp paper towel on top of your cheesesteak before reheating it. This will help create steam, keeping the sandwich moist and delicious. Alternatively, you can put a small saucer of water beside your sandwich in the microwave to have the same effect.
Conclusion
Reheating a cheesesteak in the microwave doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following the steps and tips in this guide, you can revive your leftover sandwich to its delicious, melty state. Remember to thaw your cheesesteak beforehand, use a microwave-safe plate, and keep it moist by adding a damp paper towel or a saucer of water.
And most importantly, make sure to heat your sandwich until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety reasons. With these tips, you’ll enjoy your reheated cheesesteak just as much as the first time around!
Looking to learn more about making delicious sandwiches? Check out our other posts about microwaving cheesesteaks and more!
